It’s accepted as conventional wisdom that the NBA Western Conference is far superior to the East. There was a time when this was true, but Colin thinks this year it’s vastly overrated and, much like the SEC in college football, living on reputation. Sure, Golden State is dominant, but there isn’t another team that can potentially challenge them in a seven game series, other than an ancient Spurs team.

Sure, the West is more entertaining, and has more exciting individual players, but there aren’t any other great teams. The Rockets don’t play defense, Westbrook is a one-man show, and the Clippers are a mess.

Colin is as sure the Warriors will march through the West as he is of the Cavs coming out of the East.

“The Western Conference in the NBA used to be deep and great. It no longer is.”

LeBron did Pat Riley a favor by leaving Miami

LeBron leaving Cleveland was a death sentence for the franchise, only saved by James “Coming Home.” Pat Riley has also been given the task of rebuilding The Heat after losing James, but he’s doing considerably better.

Colin pointed out that by LeBron leaving, Riley was able to get out of re-signing a declining Dwyane Wade and start fresh. If LeBron stayed, he would have been tied to Wade for the duration of his career, and would have overpaid on a legacy contract to do so.

Now, Riley has a young roster, all kinds of cap space, a franchise center in Hasaan Whiteside, and looks primed to close during free agency by selling his best asset, South Beach.

“It worked out perfectly for Pat Riley.”

Guests:

Jim Jackson – FS1 NBA and college basketball Analyst is in-studio to talk about Lebron clubbing in South Beach; why there are certain cities that all players go out in; what it’s like to play after a night out on the town; and if any teams can prevent a Warriors/Cavs rematch.